Glasto faithful divided over Jay-Z

Glasto faithful divided over Jay-Z

As the second day of Glastonbury Festival kicked off, one question seemed to be on the mind of most its revellers - to Jay-Z or not to Jay-Z?

Published 28th June 2008

Jay-Z's appearance at Glastonbury has divided festival faithfuls

A dry night meant most of the 137,500 ticket holders at Worthy Farm, in Pilton, Somerset, had forgotten about the weather for the time being and were focused on which headliner they would swear their allegiance to.

New York rapper Jay-Z will take to the Pyramid Stage on Saturday night for the festival's premier slot, in one of the most talked about headline performances in years.

Many - including Oasis' Noel Gallagher - believe the hip-hop artist does not belong at the traditionally rock-based festival.

But others - including Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis and his daughter Emily - say it's about time Glastonbury moved away from dominantly white, guitar-based bands and attracted a more varied, younger audience.

Across the 900-acre, mud-infested venue, revellers kitted out in wellies and ponchos discussed the controversial issue.

Daniel Nicholson, 33, an engineer, from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, said he would be heading to watch the platinum-selling rapper.

He said: "It's nonsense isn't it? Why can't a black rapper headline Glastonbury? I bet he puts on a hell of a show. I'm hoping for a massive show from Jay-Z, with lights, pyrotechnic, dancers, that sort of stuff."

But Kate Graham, 27, a secretary, from Coventry, wasn't so sure. She said: "It's not for me. I don't have a problem with a rap artist headlining the Pyramid stage, I just wouldn't watch him myself. I'll be heading to the Other Stage to watch Massive Attack. They're more at home here at Glastonbury."

Jay-Z - who has sold 50 million copies worldwide - is expected to perform hits from his 10 studio albums including Hard Knock Life, Change Clothes and 99 Problems.